NORTH WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Metro-North Railroad has unveiled the third in its series of wrapped heritage locomotives to mark its 40th anniversary, this one wearing the classic two-tone gray “lightning stripe” scheme of New York Central.
The scheme has been applied to P32AC-DM No. 211, which is set to make its operational debut Tuesday on a 7:31 a.m. departure from Croton-Harmon, arriving at Grand Central Terminal at 8:26 a.m.
“Every new wrapped locomotive seems to look better than the next, which just speaks to the talent of the Metro-North workforce,” Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said in a press release. “Rail enthusiasts around the region are excited about the launch of this latest heritage locomotive, and the first run will be on one of New York Central’s original routes, making for an even more scenic morning ride down the Hudson.”
Earlier heritage units honor the original Metro-North paint scheme, worn by P32AC-DM No. 208 [see “News photos: Metro-North introduces heritage unit …,” Trains News Wire, May 16, 2023] and Conrail, as worn by unit No. 201 [see “News photos: Metro-North introduces second heritage locomotive …,” News Wire, Aug. 11, 2023]. Additional heritage units are planned.
Best liveries from the 1950’s era:
New Haven
New York Central
ATSF
Or maybe I’m biased as those are the three railroads from that era that I’m a fan of.
As a former employee I really like this. It’s somewhat reminiscent of how the lightning stripe scheme stripes “curled” down on the noses of NYC’s T and P motor electric locomotives.
Now it is time for the LIRR to do something also by repainting some of their units in Heritage colors also. The LIRR has a long history of playing a role in the growth and development of Long Island. And on the subject of Heritage units, its time for Kato to introduce a line of Heritage units for their line of Genesis units in HO and N scale. They do a great job with manufacturing their Amtrak units, now they should do it for Metro North and any other railroads as well. A number of years ago Kato did make a VIA Rail unit in N scale which is no longer made and today extremely rare to find anywhere
Joseph C. Markfelder
Can anyone offer some insight into the large hinged opening in the middle of the nose (under the NYC logo) on this unit? It appears unique to the P32 and I am curious what it is for.
Its an escape hatch for when operating in the Park Ave Tunnel and GCT, not enough room to open the side door, so the hatch offers a means of escape, some of Amtraks Dual-Modes have had the same hatch retro-fitted for GCT diversions.
It’s very nice!
Great job! Metro North. I think the NYC lightning stripe was one of New York Central’s best livery. The scheme is clean looking, and stands out.
Very nice, IMHO the NYC Lighting strip paint scheme is one of the best ever.
If the rumours are true, two additional wraps are expected to pay tribute to predecessor Penn Central (operator of commuter service from 1968 through 1976), and a tribute to Metro-North employees. Let’s wait and see then!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Nice NYC STYLE, I want one for my 3 rail layout!
George
Though I’m not a big fan of the GE P-32 AC-DM locomotive, this is a very nice ‘Heritage’ paint-scheme and a nice tribute to the late, great, New York Central.
Kudos to the Metro North Transit agency for doing this !
It is truly superb to see once again that the great Metro-North is honoring their heritage properly.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün